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Nissan Leaf Repositions Itself As Cheapest 5-Seat EV

The Nissan Leaf was given modest upgrades for 2013, but more impressive is the price drop. Now starting at $28,800, the Nissan Leaf takes the title as the cheapest 5-seat production EV in America.

How did they do it?
There are two major reasons for the price change. The production of the Leaf has moved from Japan, where the Yen has been out of control, to Tennessee. In addition, Nissan has created a lower 'S' trim level that removes content from last year's SV trim.

"From the very outset, Nissan has continuously advanced and refined the affordable zero emissions vehicle ownership experience," said Billy Hayes, Global vice president of LEAF sales for Nissan.

The new S trim differs from the SV by doing without navigation, Carwings smartphone integration, alloy wheels, cruise control, and the new 6.6 kW onboard charger. The new 6.6 kW charger cuts the Leaf's charging time in half when using a 240V charger--something S trim owners will miss.

Still, with a $28,800 starting price combined with the Fed's $7,500 rebate, you're looking at a great deal for a full-fledged electric vehicle. Add to that all the other incentives that some states are offering and, of course, the fuel-savings, and the Leaf begins to look a bit more realistic for price-sensitive shoppers.

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Nissan Brings New, U.S.-Assembled 2013 LEAF to Market with Major Price Reduction
Addition of a new LEAF S trim level lowers entry price by more than $6,000, or 18 percent
Available federal and state incentives can bring price down to less than $19,000
Improved energy efficiency, faster charging times and greater customer choice headline 2013 model year improvements
FRANKLIN, Tenn. – Nissan has announced that U.S. pricing for the new 2013 Nissan LEAF will start at an MSRP of $28,800 for the newly-added S grade, making it the lowest priced five-passenger electric vehicle sold in the United States. Depending on location, some consumers may purchase the vehicle for as low as $18,800 with qualifying federal and state tax credits, putting the LEAF on par with gas-powered vehicles of its size.

Nissan's objective for the LEAF has always been to produce an affordable zero-emission vehicle for the mass market, and the 2013 LEAF is a prime example of that commitment with increased value at every trim level, making it more accessible for more people.

"With nearly 50,000 LEAFs on the road globally, we are the leaders in zero emissions vehicles and our class-leading product just got better," said Billy Hayes, Global vice president of LEAF sales for Nissan. "From the very outset, Nissan has continuously advanced and refined the affordable zero emissions vehicle ownership experience. Now customers won't have to pay a premium for owning a green car that's really fun to drive, and that's exciting."

Nissan recently began U.S. assembly of the 2013 Nissan LEAF at its manufacturing plant in Smyrna, Tenn., a localization initiative that further drives efficiencies by leveraging already-existing equipment and processes while also reducing exposure to fluctuations in foreign currency. The battery packs that power LEAF are built in an adjacent facility in Smyrna while the vehicle's electric motor comes from Nissan's powertrain plant in Decherd, Tenn., further supporting efficient manufacturing.

Eligible consumers can take advantage of a $7,500 federal tax credit, and some states and municipalities offer additional incentives. For example, California residents can get a 2013 Nissan LEAF for as low as $18,800 after the federal tax credit and state rebate of $2,500.

Nissan will also continue its lease offer for the 2013 LEAF, allowing consumers to lease the electric vehicle for as low as $199 per month for 36 months, which includes tax credits and destination charges.

Additions to the 2013 LEAF include: 17-inch alloy wheels and leather appointed interior on SL models, available Around View® Monitor and 7-speaker Bose® energy efficient audio system and a 6.6 kW onboard charger that significantly reduces 220V charging times and is standard on SV and SL models.

Incremental aerodynamic and energy management improvements are expected to give the 2013 LEAF improved range** over previous model years. Final range estimates for the 2013 Nissan LEAF are awaiting EPA test cycle verification.

About Nissan
Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., Japan's second-largest automotive company, is headquartered in Yokohama, Japan, and is part of the Renault-Nissan Alliance. Operating with more than 248,000 employees globally, Nissan provided customers with more than 4.8 million vehicles in 2011, generating revenue of 9.4 trillion yen ($118.95 billion US). With a strong commitment to developing exciting and innovative products for all, Nissan delivers a comprehensive range of 64 models under the Nissan and Infiniti brands. A pioneer in zero-emission mobility, Nissan made history with the introduction of the Nissan LEAF, the first affordable, mass-market, pure-electric vehicle and winner of numerous international accolades, including the prestigious 2011-2012 Car of the Year Japan and 2011 World Car of the Year awards.

About Nissan North America
In North America, Nissan's operations include automotive styling, design, engineering, consumer and corporate financing, sales and marketing, distribution and manufacturing. Nissan is dedicated to improving the environment under the Nissan Green Program 2010 and has been recognized as a 2010 and 2011 ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year by the U.S Environmental Protection Agency. More information about Nissan in North America and the complete line of Nissan and Infiniti vehicles can be found online at www.NissanUSA.com and www.Infiniti.com.

With a strong commitment to developing exciting and innovative products for all, Nissan delivers a comprehensive range of fuel-efficient and low-emissions vehicles under the Nissan and Infiniti brands. A pioneer in zero emission mobility, Nissan made history with the introduction of the Nissan LEAF, the first affordable, mass-market, pure-electric vehicle and winner of numerous international accolades including the prestigious 2011 European Car of the Year award.

For more information on our products, services and commitment to Sustainable Mobility, visit our website at http://www.nissan-global.com/EN/.

**Charging times and range estimates may vary depending on driving/charging habits, weather, temperature and battery age. A 6.6W onboard charger is a standard feature on SV and SL trims, and optional feature on the S trim.

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This isn't a long distance car, so cruise isn't necessary. And in your immediate town/city you usually know your way around well enough to do without navigation. The 6.6kw charger requires a 240V outlet to be run to your garage, which not everyone has. So I'd say this is a smart choice for someone who just wants a good simple daily driver electric car.

Someone took the concept of EV, inserted their ego into it by adding all sorts of non-essential crap, and priced it for the average consumer. If they could get the range worked closer to 100 miles, they'd have a winner. Although Nissan is screwing up as far as dropping the quicker charge setup, this is what needs done with the Chevy Volt.

I'd buy American if they made a decent car. After having 3 crappy American vehicles in my youth, I switched to buying only Japanese cars that are made in Japan. When I traded my last Nissan in, it had 305,000 miles on it and was still running well. I had I for 11 years! I replaced it this summer with another Nissan. Your average Japanese worker takes far more pride in their work than an American does. They are a very disciplined society.